The boyfriend of a 17-year-old girl killed at Village St. Clare Apartments has now been arrested in connection with her death.
Khalil Gillard, 18, of Manning, was arrested Thursday, April 2, and charged with manslaughter and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to Manning Police Chief Sean Briley.
The charges stem from the fatal shooting reported March 20 at the Manning apartment complex, where police were initially dispatched at approximately 10:53 a.m. in reference to a reported gunshot injury.
The victim was transported to McLeod Health Clarendon, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
In the department’s initial statement, investigators said the shooting appeared to be accidental. At the time, authorities reported that the teen and Gillard were together inside the apartment when the firearm discharged. Police said the two were engaged in horseplay and close physical interaction when the weapon discharged while Gillard was holding it. The gun was believed to belong to a family member.
Evidence collected since that initial release has raised questions about that original account.
“As the investigation has continued, some of the evidence does not fully match the original version of events,” Briley said. “This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and we will continue working to seek justice for the victim’s family.”
Additional charges are possible.
